Q. Is there a general instruction to kneel during Mass at “This is the Lamb of God” (Agnus Dei) and during the Communion rite? What if the priest tells the people to stand because “we are a people redeemed?”

Therese, via e-mail

A. Here is a reply from Father Francis Hoffman, J.C.D.:

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal states, “The faithful kneel after the Agnus Dei unless the diocesan bishop determines otherwise” (No. 43). If your priest directs you to stand at that point in the Mass, it’s likely because the diocesan bishop has made that indication, and not just because you are “a people redeemed,” since the faithful in the next diocese — who might be kneeling — are also redeemed.